In this exclusive interview, General Manager Yenny Tanudjaja shares her perspective on leadership, private golf excellence, and the strategic direction of Emeralda Golf Club in Indonesia. The conversation is led by Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, and explores the principles behind Tanudjaja’s approach to managing a highly selective golf and estate destination. Recognized among the TOP 100 Hotel General Managers of the World, she has guided the club toward a clearly defined position within Indonesia’s private golf landscape. The distinction, presented by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, reflects a leadership style centered on operational discipline, carefully managed membership, and a consistent focus on delivering value beyond member expectations within the luxury golf sector.

Alexander Chetchikov: As General Manager, how do you personally define luxury within a private golf and estate environment where access is limited to members and their guests?

Yenny Tanudjaja: Luxury means delivering an experience that goes far beyond basic comfort or service—for us, it is about exceeding expectation and emotional impact.

Luxury in a private golf and estate environment is defined by discretion, consistency, and a deep respect for privacy. When access is limited to our members and guests, luxury is not about excess, but about how thoughtfully the experience is curated. It is reflected in seamless service, impeccable course conditions, and an atmosphere where our golfers feel comfortable, recognized, and understood. True luxury lies in delivering a sense of ease and belonging, where every detail is managed with care so every golfer can simply enjoy their time without interruption or compromise.

Luxury in hospitality is about exceeding expectations in a deeply personal, seamless, and emotionally resonant way—not just offering expensive products.

AC: Emeralda Golf Club serves a highly selective audience. What elements are essential to maintaining a sense of exclusivity without compromising warmth and service quality?

YT: Maintaining exclusivity while preserving warmth comes down to culture and consistency. Exclusivity should never feel rigid or unapproachable. At Emeralda, we place strong emphasis on personalized service, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality. Our team is trained to understand our members, anticipate their preferences, and engage with professionalism balanced by sincerity. When standards are clear and service is delivered with confidence and care, exclusivity becomes an experience of comfort and trust rather than distance.

AC: The club emphasizes exceeding customer expectations. How does this value translate into day-to-day decisions across golf operations, hospitality, and facilities?

YT: Exceeding customer expectations is embedded in how we make everyday decisions. Across golf operations, hospitality, and facilities, we consistently ask whether an action enhances the member experience in a meaningful way. This influences everything from course conditioning and pace-of-play management to service flow in dining and the responsiveness of our facilities team. We focus on consistency, anticipation, and follow-through—often in small details that members may not consciously notice but always feel. By prioritizing long-term quality and listening closely to feedback, we ensure that expectations are not only met but thoughtfully surpassed.

AC: Emeralda has invested in first-class facilities, from championship courses to wellness amenities. How do these features support a refined lifestyle rather than simply adding scale?

YT: Our approach to facilities is guided by purpose rather than size. Every investment is carefully evaluated based on how it supports the lifestyle of our members. The championship courses, wellness amenities, and social spaces are designed to complement one another, encouraging balance between sport, relaxation, and social connection. Rather than adding scale, we focus on refinement—ensuring that each facility is relevant, well-integrated, and maintained to the highest standard. This creates an environment where members can enjoy a complete and meaningful experience, not just impressive infrastructure.

AC: From an industry perspective, what standards define a top-tier golf course today, and how do you ensure Emeralda consistently meets the highest level of play and presentation?

YT: A top-tier golf course today is defined by consistency, course conditioning, design integrity, and the overall quality of the playing experience. Beyond layout, players expect excellent turf health, clear course presentation, safety, and a balance between challenge and playability. At Emeralda, we ensure these standards through disciplined maintenance programs, experienced agronomy leadership, and continuous evaluation of course conditions across all holes. Long-term planning, attention to detail, and daily commitment from our team allow us to deliver a course that meets international expectations every day, not only during major events.

AC: Operating within Indonesia, how do local culture and the Sundanese lifestyle influence the club’s identity and guest experience?

YT: Local culture plays an important role in shaping Emeralda’s identity. The Sundanese lifestyle emphasizes harmony, respect, and a calm way of life, values that naturally align with the spirit of golf. We reflect these through our Clubhouse – built similar to Gedung Sate (a historic landmark building in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia—and one of the most iconic examples of Indonesian colonial-era architecture.) and our approach to service is how we maintain the landscape and environment

By integrating these cultural principles, we create an experience that feels authentic and grounded, offering members a sense of tranquility while still meeting international standards of a private golf club.

AC: What does being named among the TOP 100 Hotel General Managers of the World represent for you personally, and how does it shape your outlook on the future of the golf and estate industry in Southeast Asia?

YT: Being named among the TOP 100 Hotel General Managers of the World is both an honor and a responsibility. Personally, it validates the dedication, discipline, and passion that our team brings to every aspect of Emeralda.

Professionally, it reinforces my commitment to continue improving the leadership. Looking ahead, I see great potential for Southeast Asia to redefine luxury golf and estate living through authenticity, sustainability, and excellence in service. This recognition inspires me to continue elevating standards, creating meaningful member experiences, and contributing to the long-term growth of the region’s private golf industry.

Thank you, Yenny! The conversation reflects a measured approach to leadership in which structure, flexibility, and a deep understanding of member expectations guide every aspect of Emeralda Golf Club. Her perspective underscores how disciplined management and selective positioning continue to elevate private golf experiences in Indonesia and beyond.

To learn more, visit https://www.emeralda-golfclub.com.